How technology affects driver retention

Technology: drivers’ friend or foe?

Against this backdrop, Platform Science set out to assess how retention is affected by its area of expertise: technology. The company conducted a qualitative survey to better understand the driver experience within commercial trucking fleets and shared the findings in the report.

According to the Driver Experience Report 2026, 52% of drivers say technology directly influences their decision to stay with or leave a fleet. While 47% of respondents say technology makes their job easier, a slight majority (53%) believe it actually makes their work more difficult.

Although 80% of drivers leave a fleet due to pay, according to the 2025 survey by Commercial Carrier Journal, other factors are also at play, such as poorly implemented technology, which has become one of the leading sources of driver frustration and significantly impacts turnover, Platform Science reports.

For drivers, technology only works when it makes the job easier—not harder. According to the Driver Experience Report 2026, the following technology failures undermine drivers’ trust:

• Disconnected applications – Drivers struggle with multiple logins and tools that do not communicate with each other.
• Confusing workflows – Inconsistent or unclear processes cause simple tasks to take longer than they should.
• Unclear camera policies – A lack of transparency around in-cab cameras creates discomfort and distrust.
• Unreliable equipment records – DVIRs and maintenance tools that do not function consistently increase frustration and risk.
• Surveillance instead of support – Drivers find it difficult to see real value when technology feels complex or intrusive.

Conversely, there are areas where technology becomes a strong ally for truck drivers. According to the Platform Science report, these are the areas where technology effectively supports drivers:

• Transparency in pay and policies – Easy access to pay details and company policies sets expectations and builds trust.
• Simple two-way communication – Messaging tools that connect drivers and back-office teams help resolve issues more quickly.
• Safety-first workflows – Reliable, connected DVIRs and compliance tools enable safer operations with less effort.
• Streamlined daily tasks – Fewer logins, fewer taps, and smoother navigation allow drivers to focus on the road.
• Reduced cognitive load – When tools are intuitive and integrated, drivers can work more efficiently and accurately, spending more time doing what they enjoy most: driving and earning money.